John F. Kennedy Center Votes for Significant Renaming to Trump-Kennedy Performing Arts Center, As Stated by White House Statement.
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The governing board of the iconic performing arts venue has decided to be renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced via a post that the board's decision was unanimous, crediting "the tremendous efforts President Trump has done over the last year in rescuing the building."
"This will be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt achieve new levels of grandeur and success," Leavitt added.
The planned renaming is likely to prove highly controversial, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has served as an architectural and cultural icon since its construction and dedication for President John F. Kennedy.
Context of the Institution
Shortly after beginning his term, President Donald Trump fired all the center's existing board members and appointed supporters in their stead. The reconstituted board later moved to name Trump the chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in congressional funding to cover significant upgrades and operational expenses at the national venue.
Inception
The idea for a national performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the murder of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the planned venue was christened the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
This is a developing story. Further context will be published soon.
